What was the idea behind your brand? 

Macrame was very new to South Africa in 2016! I am a creative and love all things handmade. In 2015 I came across macrame plant hangers on Instagram and knew instantly that I was going to start a business making macrame decor products. I taught myself how to make macrame plant hangers and ‘launched’ my new business at our local handmade market, which was a sell out! A year later, in September 2016, I saw a gap in the market and gave up my full time job, dedicating myself full time to my new business.

How many people work for you?

one person permanently ( Busi - she has been with me from the beginning in 2016 )

What is your creative process that inspires you to create what you do? 

I find the art of macrame very therapeutic. I love textures and working with natural fibres.  The process is so rewarding as you can really be creative with macrame!  There is almost no end to what you can do if you stay true to your own design style.

What are your best sellers? 

first wall art, but I find plant hangers are as popular as they were 6 years ago!

What is YOUR favourite product of your collection?

From my new mini wall art collection, I would say my mixed fiber wall art, but especially our ‘May’ wall hanging, and then ’Sarah’ from our large wall art collection.

What to you is the best thing about selling on KNUS? 

I have been with Knus from the beginning and apart from being able to reach a wider and different market, I love your innovation and constant evolving, the lovely people that work for Knus and your absolute professionalism.  

How would you say it has impacted your business selling through KNUS?

Knus is a much larger platform than our own, as we just sell macrame decor, therefore it has been beneficial to reach a wider customer base, with customers that love beautiful and good quality local home decor, making it more suitable to the Artesense brand. 

Why would you say it is important for customers to support local?

SO important, as local businesses are more invested in the local community, and small business is known to contribute greatly to the economy.  Also small local businesses often create employment locally. And of course, it goes without saying that smaller local businesses have less of a carbon footprint.  Usually that also means no mass production, but rather entrepreneurs that pour heart and soul into their livelihood, creating unique products and often further benefiting local communities. Local business owners also want the best final product as they are often accountable to their local communities.